Eloping is one of the most exciting and meaningful decisions you can make as a couple. It’s a chance to focus entirely on your love story, free from the expectations and pressures of a traditional wedding. Whether you envision saying your vows on a mountaintop, a sunlit beach, or in the heart of a bustling city, eloping offers the ultimate freedom to create a day that feels authentically yours. This guide will walk you through elopement planning, helping you craft an unforgettable experience.

Let me guess, you want to elope but don’t know where? You’re probably thinking, “Duh Audrey, that’s why I’m here.” Well the good news is: you’re in the right place! As an elopement photographer I’m all about discovering and exploring epic destinations, so couples like you can get married in a way that is remarkably meaningful AND in a place that’s perfectly beautiful (and perfectly you). 

First, why choose New Mexico for your elopement?

Uhum where do I even start!? Southwest desert vibes, incredible history (hello, Santa Fe is the oldest city in the United states), and crazy-beautiful sunsets. Not enough? There are also rock formations, hot air balloons, and art districts. And lastly, New Mexico is full of wild landscapes similar to the surrounding states—except with half the crowds.

This place is so underrated. But hey, I’d rather keep this place as our little best-kept anyways! Let’s get into the details of planning your New Mexico elopement. 

Alaska’s vast landscape is brimming with electric blue glaciers, sprawling wildflowers, aurora borealis lighting up the skies, oceans full of whales, lush mountains teeming with wildlife, and truly undisturbed locations. Oh, and it’s all a domestic flight away. There is so much to do and see. And memories to create. If that’s not the perfect destination for a rustic outdoor elopement, I don’t know what is! 

Southern California has all the warm sandy beaches for your ceremony and trendy postnuptial drinks spots you could want…BUT that’s just the tippity top of the (desert) iceberg! You’ll also find: sand dunes, slot canyons, islands, and stargazing! SoCal has so much to offer the couples that want to venture off the beaten path and the couples simply want to venture to a quiet spot to catch the sunset.

You already have some of the pieces for your elopement: the love of your partner, the bravery to do something different for your wedding day, and the desire to create memories, not just photographs. The next step is picking a location. A great place to start is by simply imagining your wedding day. Is there an ocean breeze, the sounds of waterfalls, or the smell of juniper? Are you dusty from dancing in desert sands or are you wet from skipping rocks into the ocean waves? If any of these ring true for you then Southern California could be the perfect place for your elopement.

Here, let me show you a few spots!

You know you want to elope, but the biggest question on your mind is “where”? Well luckily, I’m one step ahead of you! It’s that time of year again, where I spend countless hours scouring the world (world wide web) for the dreamiest elopement destinations. Through my research and experiences I realized there is truly no bad time of year to elope, so I set out to find a unique location for every month. Whether you want to escape or embrace the snow, swim or eat all day, escape or be in the thick of things — I’ve found a little something for everyone. Fingers crossed you’ll find a place that matches your elopement vibe or inspires new possibilities for your wedding day!

Lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and enchanting forests intermixed with quaint ocean villages and bustling cities — what doesn’t Northern California have? Within the array of landscapes and endless experiences your perfect elopement awaits. 

I have to admit something…I always knew this part of the United States was beautiful, but my research exceeded all my expectations of what I thought I’d find! Not only did I find some places that immediately landed a spot on my bucket list, but I was floored learning that in a day you can walk the city streets and through the forests to a wild beach. There was only one thing left for me to do, see Northern California for myself. And I did. And I get the hype. 

And now… I want to take you there for your elopement!

Europe is innately stunning and brimming with things to experience—what if your stay could be an extension of that experience? Reflecting the history of where you are, providing a retreat from the world, and can make something simple– like waking up in the morning– a lifelong memory.  When you picture your elopement are you in a glass igloo in Finland or a private castle in Scotland? Or kicking back at a windmill in the Dutch countryside? OR orrr diving into the Mediterranean Sea first thing in the morning? If you can’t choose then don’t fret! I’ve compiled a list that has all of that and MORE. Stays where there’s plenty of room for your loved ones to come along on the adventure and out of this world locations where the scenery can’t be beat. 

What makes NYC so romantic? Is it history? The culture? The lights? If elope there it will be all of the above, plus your love story. Imagine having a chic courthouse wedding, before exploring the city, and ending the night with a fat pizza. Or having your first look at dawn on the Brooklyn Bridge and  having an intimate ceremony and picnic in the park afterwards. There really is no wrong way to elope in NYC!

Big cities and new places can feel overwhelming, but luckily NYC is so loved that there are endless resources for even the littlest things. Today we’re going to talk about the big stuff: How to get your marriage license, where to stay, when to visit, places to elope, and things to do. Let’s get those things off your plate and jumpstart your imagination!

It’s totally up to you whether or not you want to believe in the Irish folklore of sirens, fairies, and leprechauns—but the overall beauty of Ireland is 100% irrefutable. The sites, culture, people, and scenery are equally wonderful. The country is steeped in a proud history and the phenomenal landscape has inspired musicians, poets, and artists alike. Trust me when I say the rolling hills are even more green in person, the sounds of the waves below the Cliffs of Moher are louder than you can imagine, and being stuck on a country road due to rouge sheep blocking the way isn’t just some made-up movie scenario. It’s almost as if the rest of the world falls away and you’re transported to another, more tranquil place in time.